Iran just proved it can ooutmanoeuver Starlink. As foreign-backed protests spread, the regime deploys jammers, cuts satellite internet, and targets foreign operatives, turning the digital battlefield in its favour.
IRAN has successfully blocked access to Starlink, the satellite internet service increasingly used in US-backed operations. The move comes amid attempts by external actors to exploit domestic unrest, including protests over economic pressures.
How Iran Outmanoeuvered Starlink
Authorities deployed military-grade jammers, reportedly supplied by Russia, to neutralise Starlink connections, marking a historic achievement in digital defence and asserting national control over critical communications, according to Forbes.
Reports indicate tens of thousands of Starlink units were illegally active inside the country. Initial disruptions affected around 30 per cent of uplink and downlink traffic, quickly rising to over 80 per cent. GPS interference prevented unauthorised receivers from connecting to satellites.
NetBlocks confirmed the targeted, patchwork connectivity, noting that essential services remained under government supervision while foreign-supported networks were effectively disabled.
Iran’s blackout extends beyond fixed-line and mobile networks to unauthorised digital channels. By controlling these communications, authorities protect national security and prevent foreign interference from exploiting unrest.
Elon Musk has reportedly offered to restore Starlink service, including free connectivity, while engineers explore technical workarounds.
Security forces have acted decisively on the ground, confiscating unauthorised Starlink receivers and targeting unwanted networks.
Experts say Iran’s actions challenge assumptions about satellite internet resilience.
On Friday, US Federal Communications Commission approved SpaceX to add 7,500 Gen2 Starlink satellites, bringing its total to 15,000.
According to the press release, the decision “will enable SpaceX to deliver high-speed, low-latency internet service globally.”
“The FCC has given SpaceX the green light to deliver unprecedented satellite broadband capabilities, strengthen competition, and help ensure that no community is left behind,” FCC Chairman Carr said.
How Starlink Works
Starlink is a satellite-based internet service created by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It is designed to provide internet access in underserved areas and war zones where traditional internet services are unavailable.
The Starlink system consists of thousands of satellites placed in low Earth orbit. These satellites are interconnected to form a mesh network capable of delivering high-speed internet access. The service works by connecting users to the satellites through a satellite dish, which links to the user’s router and modem, ultimately providing internet connectivity.
The service was initially intended to connect disaster-stricken regions and war zones to the internet. Ukraine has used Starlink extensively during its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, US President Trump has also deployed it in regions where the US has military involvement, such as Venezuela, following the recent kidnapping of its president.
Currently, Starlink is available in only 40 countries, excluding Palestine. This has sparked demands to make the service available in Gaza, especially during internet blackouts imposed by Israel amid the ongoing genocide.
These blackouts were intended to block news from reaching the world and to prevent Palestinians from communicating with each other and with rescue teams. Despite these appeals, Elon Musk has refused to extend Starlink service to Gaza. — QNN
